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Forest School is an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.

Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand

Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor education. Promoting the reconnection between people and their natural environment is at the heart of our Forest School ethos.

For many years we have been promoting Forest Schools through our own activities and by providing training for local teachers and practitioners. We have a team of qualified and experienced Forest School Leaders who deliver programmes for early years, primary and secondary age children, as well as for young people with behavioural and special educational needs.

Forest School and Outdoor Environmental Play Licences

Surrey Wildlife Trust offer Forest Schools licences for schools and organisations with sufficient qualifications to deliver Forest Schools on a selected number of our reserves.

Upcoming Forest School Leader Training

Train to be a forest school leader (level 3), or an Assistant (Level 2) and learn about the forest school approach to learning, practical skills and woodland management, and how to establish and deliver your own programme.

Surrey County Council

SWT works in partnership with Surrey County Council’s Early Years and Childcare Service to encourage and support settings and schools to engage in Forest School activities.

To give you an idea of how the EYFS works in Forest School they have produced a video to highlight the benefits and how to set up a Forest School. Take a look at their Introduction to Forest School film below.

If you are early years practitioner within the county, Surrey Early Years and Childcare Service also offer financial support to obtain Forest School qualifications and taster sessions. For further information going to the Training Programme from the Early Years and Childcare Service webpage and clicking on the workshop directory tailored for you.